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{{Short description|American telecommunications company}}
{{Infobox_Company |
{{distinguish|US Mobile}}
company_name = United States Cellular Corporation|
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
company_logo = ]|
{{Infobox company
company_type = ] ({{nyse|USM}})|
| name = United States Cellular Corporation
company_slogan = Believe In Something Better |
| trade_name = UScellular
foundation = 1983|
| logo = United States Cellular Corporation logo.svg
location = ], ], ]|
| type = ]
key_people = John E. Rooney, President and CEO|
| traded_as = {{ubl|{{NYSE|USM}} (Common stock)|] component}}
num_employees = 8,400 ({{As of|2007|lc=on}})|
| founded = {{Start date and age|1983}}
industry = ]s |
| location = ], U.S.
products = ] ] and ] (wireless voice and data services), SMS (]), MMS (]), ] (EasyEdge Mobile TV), ]s, ] (EasyEdge), ] |
| key_people =
revenue = {{profit}}$3.7 billion ] (])|
| num_employees = 4,800 (1Q 2023)
operating_income = {{profit}}$863 million ] (])|
| industry = ]
homepage = |
| products =
| revenue = {{Increase}} {{US$|4.02 billion|link=yes}} (2019)
| net_income = {{Decrease}} US$133 million (2019)
| parent = ] (83% economic, 96% voting) {{small|(sale to ] pending)}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.uscellular.com/|uscellular.com}}
}} }}
'''United States Cellular Corporation''', ] '''U.S. Cellular''' ({{nyse|USM}}), owns and operates the fifth largest wireless telecommunications network in the United States, behind ], ], ],and ]. They currently serve about 6.1 million customers in 126 markets in 26 ]s.<ref>http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/u-s-cellular-posts-329m-loss-despite-revenue-jump/2009-02-26?utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss&cmp-id=OTC-RSS-FW0</ref> US Cellular is starting to roll out a 3G network for its customers.


'''United States Cellular Corporation''' (] '''UScellular''' and formerly known as '''U.S. Cellular''') is an American ]. Its stock is publicly traded, but ] owns a controlling stake (83% economic and 96% voting power). The company was formed in 1983 and is headquartered in ]. UScellular is the ], with 4.5 million subscribers in 21 ] as of October 31, 2024.<ref name="s24.q4cdn.com">{{cite press release |url=https://s24.q4cdn.com/321867585/files/doc_financials/2024/q3/USM-Q3-2024-Earnings-8-K-Final.pdf |title=UScellular reports third quarter 2024 results |date=November 1, 2024 |location=Chicago |access-date=November 1, 2024}}</ref>
==Company Information==
U.S. Cellular was created in 1983 as a subsidiary of ] (TDS), Inc., which still owns an 81% stake.


In May 2024, ] announced it would acquire UScellular's wireless business in a deal worth $4.4 billion.<ref name=HaseltonConlon/>
Originally, U.S. Cellular used ] cell phones in most markets, but the company has completed shifting over to 1xRTT ] technology and is currently converting its network to ]. U.S. Cellular has since discontinued all analog and TDMA services.


==History==
U.S. Cellular was the fifth-largest mobile phone company in the United States with 6.5 million customers as of the end of 2008. The company offers regional coverage in the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, parts of the East and New England. Although headquartered in ], U.S. Cellular did not offer service in ] until it acquired territories from ] Communications between 2002 and 2003, after the formation of ].
=== 1980s & 1990s ===
United States Cellular was founded as a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems Inc.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Telephone & Data Systems Inc. |url=http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/2871.html#:~:text=In%201983,%20when%20Telephone%20&%20Data,telecommunications%20companies%20in%20the%20country. |access-date=March 30, 2023 |website=www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org}}</ref> (TDS) and incorporated on December 23, 1983. began operations in Knoxville, Tennessee (June), and Tulsa, Oklahoma (August). The company went public in 1988 where United States Cellular adopted USM as its ticker symbol on the American Stock Exchange.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U S Cellular Stock investment summary (NYSE:USM) |url=https://www.macroaxis.com/ |access-date=March 30, 2023 |website=Macroaxis |language=en}}</ref> In 1999, United States Cellular relaunched under the “U.S. Cellular” brand name and image across all markets nationwide.


=== 2000s ===
U.S. Cellular's Unlimited Call-Me feature allows users to receive calls without charge while in their local calling areas including customers of their prepaid service. Customers with a current National plan can also receive incoming calls free nationwide. The company's phones also offer picture messaging and "easyedge" data services. In addition, they offer unlimited incoming text, picture, and video messages.
The company purchased PrimeCo Wireless Communications in 2002 and launched in the Chicago area on November 22. It built on this growth by signing Chicagoan ] as national spokesperson. In January 2003, U.S. Cellular acquired naming rights to the baseball stadium used by the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Comiskey Park benched by Sox |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2003-02-01-0302010294-story.html |access-date=November 16, 2022 |website=Chicago Tribune|date=February 2003 }}</ref> Formerly known as Comiskey Park, the stadium was officially renamed U.S. Cellular Field (it was renamed ] in 2016). That same year, U.S. Cellular and ] (now owned by ]) exchanged wireless assets and U.S. Cellular received new spectrum in markets of 13 states. In 2005, U.S. Cellular entered the ] market, making it the second largest market U.S. Cellular served, after Chicago. In October 2008, U.S. Cellular launched Mobile Broadband, a service enabling customers to access data on its cell phones 10 times faster than before. It brought ]-like service and capabilities to customers through ] (Evolution-Data Optimized) technology, commonly referred to as 3G. As of ] 2008, U.S. Cellular was preparing to roll out ]/] revision A to select markets.


=== 2010s ===
The company touts its service as having one of the highest customer retention rates among its competitors, as reported by some market research firms.
In May 2011, U.S. Cellular announced that it will offer ] ]. In a surprising move, U.S. Cellular announced the sale of several markets to ] including its home market of Chicago.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Cellular exiting Chicago market |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-xpm-2012-11-07-chi-us-cellular-exiting-chicago-market-20121107-story.html |access-date=November 16, 2022 |website=Chicago Tribune|date=November 7, 2012 }}</ref> June 2016, ] announced that it partnered with U.S. Cellular as part of its ] service. U.S. Cellular contributed its network and LTE service to the "network of networks" along with ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://android.googleblog.com/2016/06/more-speed-and-coverage-with-us.html |title=More speed and coverage with U.S. Cellular — now part of Project Fi |publisher=googleblog.com |date=June 9, 2016 |access-date=June 10, 2016}}</ref>


=== 2020s ===
As a public service, U.S. Cellular works with the ] to provide free ]s via text messaging.
In March 2020, U.S. Cellular debuted launch of 5G in Wisconsin and Iowa<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tomás |first=Juan Pedro |date=April 29, 2022 |title=US Cellular launches 5G mmWave internet service in 10 U.S. cities |url=https://www.rcrwireless.com/20220429/5g/us-cellular-launches-5g-mmwave-internet-service-10-us-cities |access-date=December 12, 2022 |website=RCR Wireless News |language=en-US}}</ref> U.S. Cellular rebranded as UScellular and upgraded its logo in the fall of that year.<ref>{{Cite web|title=New UScellular Brand and Logo Unveiled - Telecompetitor|url=https://www.telecompetitor.com/new-uscellular-brand-and-logo-unveiled/#:~:text=Previously%20known%20as%20U.S.%20Cellular,achieves%20a%20number%20of%20objectives.|access-date=February 24, 2021|website=www.telecompetitor.com}}</ref>


In February 2023, ] discontinued its partnership with UScellular in a statement saying "We will no longer be an official network partner of Google Fi," UScellular senior manager of media relations Katie Frey told CNET over email. "We value our relationship with Google, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration in other ways."<ref>Lumb, D. (March 1, 2023). Google Fi Ditches Another Mobile Network, Leaving Only T-Mobile. CNET. https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/google-fi-reportedly-drops-us-cellular-leaving-t-mobile-as-last-network/</ref>
==Timeline==
*In 2003, U.S. Cellular acquired naming rights to the baseball stadium used by the ]. Formerly known as “Comiskey Park,” the stadium is officially renamed "]." U.S. Cellular and ] (formerly ]) exchange wireless assets. U.S. Cellular receives new spectrum in markets next to or overlapping existing operations in 13 states in exchange for its Georgia and northern Florida licenses. U.S. Cellular builds and launches 12 new markets from the transaction's assets over the next two years, including Oklahoma City and St. Louis. U.S. Cellular launches easyedgeSM, its suite of wireless data services.
*In 2004, U.S. Cellular divests its South Texas markets.
*In ], U.S. Cellular enters the ] market. St. Louis becomes the second largest market U.S. Cellular serves, after Chicago. U.S. Cellular introduces SpeedTalkSM, its walkie-talk-like service.
*In ], U.S. Cellular acquires the rest of TN-RSA 3 in Eastern TN, formerly known as Eloqui Wireless. Already owning a 1/6th stake in the venture, US Cellular purchased the remaining 5/6 shares.
*In ], U.S. Cellular purchases IA RSA 15 in Northwest ].
*As of Q3 2007 Average monthly revenue per unit is at $52.71
*As of Q4 2007 $368 million in data revenues. Average monthly revenue per unit is at $51.13. They had a retail postpay ] of 1.4%. Have 6,383 total ], have invested $566 million in the cell sites as well as the infrastructure.
*As of ] ] preparing to roll out ]/] rev A to select markets.
*As of Oct. 28, 2008 U.S. Cellular launched Mobile Broadband, a service allowing customers to access data on their cell phones 10 times faster than before. It brings DSL-like service and capabilities to customers through EVDO (Evolution-Data Optimized) technology, commonly referred to as 3G. The service launched in Chicago and Rockford, Illinois; northwestern Indiana; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Des Moines, Iowa and southern Wisconsin, with more cities to follow in early 2009.
*As of May 1, 2009 U.S. Cellular launched Mobile Broadband in most of Iowa except for Western Iowa. In addition to Iowa parts of Tennessee are now part of U.S. Cellular's Mobile Broadband coverage.
*As of June 30, 2009 U.S. Cellular expanded their Mobile Broadband coverage in most of Wisconsin, and Central and Northern Illinois with more to follow.
Mobile Broadband will launch in Summer 2009 in parts of Maine and New Hampshire; as well as areas surrounding Tulsa<ref>http://www.uscc.com/uscellular/SilverStream/Pages/x_page_popup.html?p=mbb_popup</ref>.


In 2023, parent company TDS, announced that it was exploring strategic alternatives for UScellular.
==Phones==
<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.phonearena.com/news/t-mobile-ceo-hints-about-buying-uscellular_id150534 | title=T-Mobile CEO Sievert says he might consider the purchase of this wireless carrier | date=September 8, 2023 }}</ref>
The company offers phones manufactured by Motorola, LG, Samsung, Kyocera, HTC, and RIM.


In January 2024, UScellular shut down its 2G/3G CDMA network with the spectrum being reallocated to its 4G LTE and 5G NR networks.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.uscellular.com/3g-shutdown | title=3G Network Shutdown & FAQ | date=May 10, 2024 }}</ref>
====Current Phone Models====
From U.S. Cellular's website<ref>http://www.uscc.com/uscellular/SilverStream/Pages/r_zip.html?call=3</ref>
*]
*]
*BlackBerry Curve 8330
*BlackBerry 8830


On May 28, 2024, ] announced its intention to acquire most of UScellular's wireless operations, including all of the company’s customers and stores, and 30% of UScellular's ] in a transaction valued at USD 4.4 billion. While UScellular would retain 70% of its wireless spectrum and ] under the deal, T-Mobile would also be able to lease more than 2,000 towers from the company. Both companies expect the deal to close by mid-2025.<ref name=HaseltonConlon>{{Cite web |first1=Todd |last1=Haselton |last2=Conlon |first2=Sean |date=2024-05-28 |title=T-Mobile to acquire most of U.S. Cellular in $4.4 billion deal; U.S. Cellular shares surge |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/28/t-mobile-to-acquire-most-of-us-cellular-in-4point4-billion-deal.html |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=T-Mobile to Acquire UScellular Wireless Operations and Deliver Exceptional Value, a Superior 5G Experience and Unparalleled Benefits to Millions of Customers |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240527070923/en/ |access-date=2024-05-28 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |last=Corporation |first=United States Cellular |title=UScellular and TDS Announce Sale of Wireless Operations and Select Spectrum Assets to T-Mobile for Approximately $4.4 Billion in Cash and Assumed Debt |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uscellular-and-tds-announce-sale-of-wireless-operations-and-select-spectrum-assets-to-t-mobile-for-approximately-4-4-billion-in-cash-and-assumed-debt-302156390.html |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref>
*HTC Touch 6900
*HTC Touch Pro 6950


==Network==
*Kyocera Neo E1100


===4G LTE network===
*LG Rhythm UX585 (pink and black)
U.S. Cellular began offering ] ] coverage to customers in the first quarter of 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dano |first=Mike |date=February 19, 2016 |title=U.S. Cellular completes LTE buildout and begins LTE roaming, but Q4 performance below some expectations |url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/wireless/u-s-cellular-completes-lte-buildout-and-begins-lte-roaming-but-q4-performance-below-some |access-date=November 16, 2022 |website=Fierce Wireless |language=en}}</ref> The rollout started in cities in ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref></ref> In 2012, U.S. Cellular added 4G LTE in additional markets throughout the country.
*LG Tritan
*LG UX280


Its LTE network was primarily built upon two low-frequency LTE bands; 12 and 5.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hristov |first=Victor |title=Cheat sheet: which 4G LTE bands do AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint use in the USA? |url=https://www.phonearena.com/news/Cheat-sheet-which-4G-LTE-bands-do-AT-T-Verizon-T-Mobile-and-Sprint-use-in-the-USA_id77933 |access-date=November 16, 2022 |website=Phone Arena |date=November 14, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> Through an agreement with King Street Wireless,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fletcher |first=Bevin |date=October 4, 2021 |title=UScellular shuts off some 3G services as it upgrades LTE |url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/operators/uscellular-shuts-off-some-3g-services-as-it-upgrades-lte |access-date=November 16, 2022 |website=Fierce Wireless |language=en}}</ref> U.S. Cellular has access to the lower 700&nbsp;MHz A, B, and C blocks across most of its markets. Spectrum bandwidth includes, 5*5, or 10*10&nbsp;MHz on band 12 700&nbsp;MHz 5*5&nbsp;MHz on band 5 850&nbsp;MHz 5*5, or 10*10&nbsp;MHz on band 4 AWS 1. U.S. Cellular also has 5Mhz or 10Mhz of spectrum on Band 66 (AWS-3) in some markets.
*Motorola Hint QA30
*Motorola MOTORAZR VE20
*Motorola W385


The company began VoLTE trials during 2016, launched its first market with ] during the first quarter of 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 14, 2022 |title=FCC Announces Winning Bidders In 3.45 GHz Auction |url=https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-announces-winning-bidders-345-ghz-auction |access-date=November 16, 2022 |website=Federal Communications Commission |language=en}}</ref>
*Samsung Axle R311
*Samsung Delve R800
*Samsung Gloss SCH-U440
*Samsung SCH-U340
*Samsung Spex R210
*Samsung Two Step R470 (red and purple and orange)


In December 2019, the FCC found U.S. Cellular shared misinformation about its 4G LTE coverage, exaggerating performance by as much as 38% and only managing to reach the federally mandated minimum speeds 45% of the time.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Dano |first1=News Analysis Mike |last2=Director |first2=Editorial |last3=5G |last4=Strategies February 25, 2021 |first4=Mobile |title=C-band auction maps and charts: Who won what, where and how much |url=https://www.lightreading.com/5g/c-band-auction-maps-and-charts-who-won-what-where-and-how-much/d/d-id/767682 |access-date=November 16, 2022 |website=Light Reading |language=en}}</ref>
==Leadership==
===Executive Leadership===
* John E. Rooney, President and ]
* Steven T. Campbell, Executive Vice President, Finance, ] and ]
* Jay M. Ellison, Executive Vice President and ]
* Michael S. Irizarry, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and ]{{facts|date=April 2008}}


====Board of Directors==== === 5G network ===
In June 2019, U.S. Cellular successfully bid for high frequency spectrum in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Millimeter Wave Spectrum Auctions and purchased licenses covering 98 percent of its subscribers for $256.0 million or 1.7 cents per MHz pop. This laid the foundation for October 2019, when U.S. Cellular officially announced plans to launch its ] service. The company launched its first phone with support, the ], as well as coverage maps for its first commercial 5G network in both urban and rural parts of Iowa and Wisconsin in February 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Dano |first1=News Analysis Mike |last2=Director |first2=Editorial |last3=5G |last4=Strategies March 6, 2019 |first4=Mobile |title=Here Are the Big Winners in the FCC's 24GHz & 28GHz 5G Auctions |url=https://www.lightreading.com/mobile/5g/here-are-the-big-winners-in-the-fccs-24ghz-and-28ghz-5g-auctions/d/d-id/751903 |access-date=November 16, 2022 |website=Light Reading |language=en}}</ref>
* Leroy T. Carlson, Jr.-Chairman of the Board,president and chief executive officer of TDS
* ]-president and chief executive officer of U.S. Cellular
* Kenneth R. Meyers-executive vice president and chief financial officer of TDS
* LeRoy T. Carlson-chairman emeritus of TDS
* Walter C.D. Carlson-non-executive chairman of the board of TDS
* J. Samuel Crowley
* Ronald E. Daly
* Paul-Henri Denuit
* Harry Harczak, Jr.
* Tony B - El Capita'n


===Roaming agreements===
==Corporate sponsorship==
U.S. Cellular owns the ] to ], home of the ]; ] in ], home of the ] ] team; ] in ], former home of the ] and current home of the ] Men's basketball team and the ] professional indoor soccer team; ], an outdoor ] concert venue in ] and the ], an arena in ]. It has also opened the U.S. Cellular pavilion in Hadlock Field, home of the Portland Seadogs in Portland, Maine. U.S. Cellular is also the Official Wireless Sponsor for the ] and ], as well as a Hall of Fame Partner of the ]<ref>http://www.chicagobears.com/corporate_partners/partnerlist.asp Partner List - Chicago Bears</ref>.


UScellular currently only has a roaming agreement with AT&T Mobility. This allows customers to roam on AT&T with LTE or 5G speeds with no extra charges.
U.S. Cellular is also the presenting sponsor of the August 1, 2009 Nascar Nationwide Series race at Iowa Speedway. The race was being titled the U.S. Cellular 250.


Previously T-Mobile U.S. was used for LTE and 5G, but at the end of 2022 roaming service has been discontinued with them. UScellular also used Verizon for 1X and 3G roaming, but this has also since been discontinued as Verizon shut down its CDMA network at the end of 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 30, 2021 |title=3G CDMA Network Shut off date set for December 31, 2022 |url=https://www.verizon.com/about/news/3g-cdma-network-shut-date-set-december-31-2022 |access-date=July 16, 2023 |website=www.verizon.com |language=en}}</ref>
==External links==

*
===Radio frequency summary===
* Unofficial U.S. Cellular Discussion
{{further|LTE frequency bands|5G NR frequency bands}}
* HowardForums - Unofficial Discussion of U.S. Cellular

* Unofficial U.S. Cellular Resource
The following is a list of known LTE and 5G NR frequency bands which UScellular employs in the United States:
*

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+Frequency bands used on the UScellular Network
|-
! Frequency Band !! Band Number !! Protocol !! Generation !! Status !! Notes
|-
| '''600''' MHz ] || 71
| rowspan="7" |]/]
| rowspan="7" |]
|Active/Building Out
| Additional LTE band for coverage and capacity in select areas.
|-
| '''700''' MHz Lower A/B/C Blocks || 12
| rowspan="4" |Active
| rowspan="2" |Primary LTE bands.
|-
|'''850''' MHz CLR
|5
|-
|'''1.9''' GHz PCS
|2 || rowspan="3" |Additional LTE bands for capacity.
|-
| '''1.7/2.1''' GHz ]|| 4/66
|-
|'''3.5''' GHz ]
|48
|Active in select markets
|-
|'''5.2''' GHz ]
|46
| rowspan="2" |Active/Building Out
|] (LAA). Additional capacity in select areas.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Dano|first1=News Analysis Mike|last2=Director|first2=Editorial|last3=5G|last4=Strategies July 27, 2020|first4=Mobile|title=U.S. Cellular firms up mmWave, CBRS deployment plans|url=https://www.lightreading.com/5g/us-cellular-firms-up-mmwave-cbrs-deployment-plans/d/d-id/762705|access-date=November 9, 2021|website=Light Reading|language=en}}</ref>
|-
|'''600''' MHz DD || n71 || rowspan="7" | ] || rowspan="7" | ]
|Primary low band for 5G NR network.
|-
|'''2.5''' GHz BRS/EBS
|n41
| rowspan="4" |Pending deployment
|Spectrum acquired in 2022 auction.<ref name="USC 2.5GHz">{{cite web |title=FCC grants first batch of 2.5 GHz licenses – minus T-Mobile |url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/wireless/fcc-grants-first-batch-25-ghz-licenses-minus-t-mobile |website=Fierce Wireless |access-date=December 28, 2022 |date=December 2, 2022}}</ref>
|-
|'''3.4''' GHz ]
| rowspan="2" |n77

|Spectrum acquired in 2021 auction.<ref>{{Cite web|date=January 14, 2022|title=FCC Announces Winning Bidders In 3.45 GHz Auction|url=https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-announces-winning-bidders-345-ghz-auction|access-date=January 14, 2022|website=Federal Communications Commission|language=en}}</ref>
|-
|'''3.7''' GHz C-band
|Spectrum will be available for use starting December 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Dano|first1=News Analysis Mike|last2=Director|first2=Editorial|last3=5G|last4=Strategies February 25, 2021|first4=Mobile|title=C-band auction maps and charts: Who won what, where and how much|url=https://www.lightreading.com/5g/c-band-auction-maps-and-charts-who-won-what-where-and-how-much/d/d-id/767682|access-date=July 12, 2021|website=Light Reading|language=en}}</ref>
|-
|'''24''' GHz ]
|n258
| Spectrum acquired in 2019 auction.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Dano|first1=News Analysis Mike|last2=Director|first2=Editorial|last3=5G|last4=Strategies March 6, 2019|first4=Mobile|title=Here Are the Big Winners in the FCC's 24GHz & 28GHz 5G Auctions|url=https://www.lightreading.com/mobile/5g/here-are-the-big-winners-in-the-fccs-24ghz-and-28ghz-5g-auctions/d/d-id/751903|access-date=November 9, 2021|website=Light Reading|language=en}}</ref>
|-
|'''28''' GHz ]
|n261
|rowspan="2" |Active/Building Out
|rowspan="2" |Currently used for FWA services.<ref name="USC mmWave bands">{{cite web |title=UScellular launches mmWave-based FWA in 10 cities |url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/tech/uscellular-launches-mmwave-based-fwa-10-cities |website=Fierce Wireless |date=April 28, 2022 |access-date=April 29, 2022}}</ref>
|-
|'''39''' GHz Ka-Band
|n260
|}

== Corporate sponsorship ==
UScellular owns the ] to:
* UScellular Soccer Complex, in ]
* UScellular Connection Stage at ] in ]
Current Sponsorships:

* Presenting Sponsor of the ]<ref>{{Cite web |last=wsfpadmin |title=landing |url=https://wistatefair.com/fair/ |access-date=September 2, 2022 |website=Wisconsin State Fair |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Official Wireless Sponsor of the ] since 2008<ref>{{Cite web |title=Milwaukee Brewers, U.S. Cellular announce sponsorship |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/02/25/daily28.html |access-date=September 2, 2022 |website=www.bizjournals.com}}</ref>
* Official Wireless Partner of the ] since 2018<ref>{{Cite web |title=Packers announce U.S. Cellular as Official Wireless Partner |url=https://www.packers.com/news/packers-announce-u-s-cellular-as-official-wireless-partner |access-date=September 2, 2022 |website=www.packers.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

Official Wireless Provider and proud partner of:

* ] (University of Iowa)
* ] (Iowa State University)
* ] (West Virginia University)
* ] (University of Maine)

The company formerly owned the naming rights to:
* U.S. Cellular Center in ] – now ]
* U.S. Cellular Grandstand at the ]grounds in ] – now ] Grandstand
* U.S. Cellular Arena in ] – now ]
* U.S. Cellular Field in ] – now ]
* U.S. Cellular Center in ] – now ]
* U.S. Cellular Community Park in ] – now ]
UScellular had served as the presenting sponsor of the ] in ], ]. It also served as the title sponsor of a ] ] race until 2019, the ], at ] in ].

==Sound logo==
The sonic logo, tag, audio ] was produced by ] and written by ] from the Austrian 1980s sampling band ].<ref name=jingle>{{cite news|author=Paul Morley|author-link=Paul Morley|title=Boot me up, Dessie|url=http://observer.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858,4774366-111639,00.html|work=]|publisher=]|date=October 19, 2003|access-date=January 17, 2009}}</ref>


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist|33em}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|https://www.uscellular.com}}

{{US mobile phone companies}} {{US mobile phone companies}}
{{Portal bar|Chicago|Illinois|Companies}}
{{Authority control}}


] ]
]
] ]
] ]
]

Latest revision as of 08:24, 25 December 2024

American telecommunications company Not to be confused with US Mobile.

United States Cellular Corporation
Trade nameUScellular
Company typePublic
Traded as
IndustryTelecommunications
Founded1983; 41 years ago (1983)
HeadquartersChicago, Illinois, U.S.
RevenueIncrease US$4.02 billion (2019)
Net incomeDecrease US$133 million (2019)
Number of employees4,800 (1Q 2023)
ParentTelephone and Data Systems (83% economic, 96% voting) (sale to T-Mobile US pending)
Websiteuscellular.com

United States Cellular Corporation (doing business as UScellular and formerly known as U.S. Cellular) is an American mobile network operator. Its stock is publicly traded, but Telephone and Data Systems Inc. owns a controlling stake (83% economic and 96% voting power). The company was formed in 1983 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. UScellular is the fifth largest wireless carrier in the United States, with 4.5 million subscribers in 21 states as of October 31, 2024.

In May 2024, T-Mobile US announced it would acquire UScellular's wireless business in a deal worth $4.4 billion.

History

1980s & 1990s

United States Cellular was founded as a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems Inc. (TDS) and incorporated on December 23, 1983. began operations in Knoxville, Tennessee (June), and Tulsa, Oklahoma (August). The company went public in 1988 where United States Cellular adopted USM as its ticker symbol on the American Stock Exchange. In 1999, United States Cellular relaunched under the “U.S. Cellular” brand name and image across all markets nationwide.

2000s

The company purchased PrimeCo Wireless Communications in 2002 and launched in the Chicago area on November 22. It built on this growth by signing Chicagoan Joan Cusack as national spokesperson. In January 2003, U.S. Cellular acquired naming rights to the baseball stadium used by the Chicago White Sox. Formerly known as Comiskey Park, the stadium was officially renamed U.S. Cellular Field (it was renamed Guaranteed Rate Field in 2016). That same year, U.S. Cellular and Cingular (now owned by AT&T Mobility) exchanged wireless assets and U.S. Cellular received new spectrum in markets of 13 states. In 2005, U.S. Cellular entered the St. Louis market, making it the second largest market U.S. Cellular served, after Chicago. In October 2008, U.S. Cellular launched Mobile Broadband, a service enabling customers to access data on its cell phones 10 times faster than before. It brought DSL-like service and capabilities to customers through EVDO (Evolution-Data Optimized) technology, commonly referred to as 3G. As of Q2 2008, U.S. Cellular was preparing to roll out 3G/EVDO revision A to select markets.

2010s

In May 2011, U.S. Cellular announced that it will offer 4G LTE. In a surprising move, U.S. Cellular announced the sale of several markets to Sprint Corporation including its home market of Chicago. June 2016, Google announced that it partnered with U.S. Cellular as part of its Google Fi service. U.S. Cellular contributed its network and LTE service to the "network of networks" along with T-Mobile US and Sprint Corporation.

2020s

In March 2020, U.S. Cellular debuted launch of 5G in Wisconsin and Iowa U.S. Cellular rebranded as UScellular and upgraded its logo in the fall of that year.

In February 2023, Google Fi discontinued its partnership with UScellular in a statement saying "We will no longer be an official network partner of Google Fi," UScellular senior manager of media relations Katie Frey told CNET over email. "We value our relationship with Google, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration in other ways."

In 2023, parent company TDS, announced that it was exploring strategic alternatives for UScellular.

In January 2024, UScellular shut down its 2G/3G CDMA network with the spectrum being reallocated to its 4G LTE and 5G NR networks.

On May 28, 2024, T-Mobile US announced its intention to acquire most of UScellular's wireless operations, including all of the company’s customers and stores, and 30% of UScellular's wireless spectrum in a transaction valued at USD 4.4 billion. While UScellular would retain 70% of its wireless spectrum and cell sites under the deal, T-Mobile would also be able to lease more than 2,000 towers from the company. Both companies expect the deal to close by mid-2025.

Network

4G LTE network

U.S. Cellular began offering 4G LTE coverage to customers in the first quarter of 2012. The rollout started in cities in Iowa, Wisconsin, Maine, North Carolina, Texas and Oklahoma. In 2012, U.S. Cellular added 4G LTE in additional markets throughout the country.

Its LTE network was primarily built upon two low-frequency LTE bands; 12 and 5. Through an agreement with King Street Wireless, U.S. Cellular has access to the lower 700 MHz A, B, and C blocks across most of its markets. Spectrum bandwidth includes, 5*5, or 10*10 MHz on band 12 700 MHz 5*5 MHz on band 5 850 MHz 5*5, or 10*10 MHz on band 4 AWS 1. U.S. Cellular also has 5Mhz or 10Mhz of spectrum on Band 66 (AWS-3) in some markets.

The company began VoLTE trials during 2016, launched its first market with VoLTE during the first quarter of 2017.

In December 2019, the FCC found U.S. Cellular shared misinformation about its 4G LTE coverage, exaggerating performance by as much as 38% and only managing to reach the federally mandated minimum speeds 45% of the time.

5G network

In June 2019, U.S. Cellular successfully bid for high frequency spectrum in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Millimeter Wave Spectrum Auctions and purchased licenses covering 98 percent of its subscribers for $256.0 million or 1.7 cents per MHz pop. This laid the foundation for October 2019, when U.S. Cellular officially announced plans to launch its 5G service. The company launched its first phone with support, the Samsung Galaxy S20, as well as coverage maps for its first commercial 5G network in both urban and rural parts of Iowa and Wisconsin in February 2020.

Roaming agreements

UScellular currently only has a roaming agreement with AT&T Mobility. This allows customers to roam on AT&T with LTE or 5G speeds with no extra charges.

Previously T-Mobile U.S. was used for LTE and 5G, but at the end of 2022 roaming service has been discontinued with them. UScellular also used Verizon for 1X and 3G roaming, but this has also since been discontinued as Verizon shut down its CDMA network at the end of 2022.

Radio frequency summary

Further information: LTE frequency bands and 5G NR frequency bands

The following is a list of known LTE and 5G NR frequency bands which UScellular employs in the United States:

Frequency bands used on the UScellular Network
Frequency Band Band Number Protocol Generation Status Notes
600 MHz DD 71 LTE/LTE-A 4G Active/Building Out Additional LTE band for coverage and capacity in select areas.
700 MHz Lower A/B/C Blocks 12 Active Primary LTE bands.
850 MHz CLR 5
1.9 GHz PCS 2 Additional LTE bands for capacity.
1.7/2.1 GHz AWS 4/66
3.5 GHz CBRS 48 Active in select markets
5.2 GHz U-NII 46 Active/Building Out License assisted access (LAA). Additional capacity in select areas.
600 MHz DD n71 NR 5G Primary low band for 5G NR network.
2.5 GHz BRS/EBS n41 Pending deployment Spectrum acquired in 2022 auction.
3.4 GHz C-Band n77 Spectrum acquired in 2021 auction.
3.7 GHz C-band Spectrum will be available for use starting December 2023.
24 GHz K-Band n258 Spectrum acquired in 2019 auction.
28 GHz Ka-Band n261 Active/Building Out Currently used for FWA services.
39 GHz Ka-Band n260

Corporate sponsorship

UScellular owns the naming rights to:

Current Sponsorships:

Official Wireless Provider and proud partner of:

The company formerly owned the naming rights to:

UScellular had served as the presenting sponsor of the 80/35 Music Festival in Des Moines, Iowa. It also served as the title sponsor of a NASCAR Xfinity Series race until 2019, the U.S. Cellular 250, at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa.

Sound logo

The sonic logo, tag, audio mnemonic was produced by Musikvergnuegen and written by Walter Werzowa from the Austrian 1980s sampling band Edelweiss.

References

  1. "UScellular reports third quarter 2024 results" (PDF) (Press release). Chicago. November 1, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  2. ^ Haselton, Todd; Conlon, Sean (May 28, 2024). "T-Mobile to acquire most of U.S. Cellular in $4.4 billion deal; U.S. Cellular shares surge". CNBC. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  3. "Telephone & Data Systems Inc". www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
  4. "U S Cellular Stock investment summary (NYSE:USM)". Macroaxis. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
  5. "Comiskey Park benched by Sox". Chicago Tribune. February 2003. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
  6. "U.S. Cellular exiting Chicago market". Chicago Tribune. November 7, 2012. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
  7. "More speed and coverage with U.S. Cellular — now part of Project Fi". googleblog.com. June 9, 2016. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
  8. Tomás, Juan Pedro (April 29, 2022). "US Cellular launches 5G mmWave internet service in 10 U.S. cities". RCR Wireless News. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  9. "New UScellular Brand and Logo Unveiled - Telecompetitor". www.telecompetitor.com. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
  10. Lumb, D. (March 1, 2023). Google Fi Ditches Another Mobile Network, Leaving Only T-Mobile. CNET. https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/google-fi-reportedly-drops-us-cellular-leaving-t-mobile-as-last-network/
  11. "T-Mobile CEO Sievert says he might consider the purchase of this wireless carrier". September 8, 2023.
  12. "3G Network Shutdown & FAQ". May 10, 2024.
  13. "T-Mobile to Acquire UScellular Wireless Operations and Deliver Exceptional Value, a Superior 5G Experience and Unparalleled Benefits to Millions of Customers". Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  14. Corporation, United States Cellular. "UScellular and TDS Announce Sale of Wireless Operations and Select Spectrum Assets to T-Mobile for Approximately $4.4 Billion in Cash and Assumed Debt". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  15. Dano, Mike (February 19, 2016). "U.S. Cellular completes LTE buildout and begins LTE roaming, but Q4 performance below some expectations". Fierce Wireless. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
  16. Attachment
  17. Hristov, Victor (November 14, 2022). "Cheat sheet: which 4G LTE bands do AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint use in the USA?". Phone Arena. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
  18. Fletcher, Bevin (October 4, 2021). "UScellular shuts off some 3G services as it upgrades LTE". Fierce Wireless. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
  19. "FCC Announces Winning Bidders In 3.45 GHz Auction". Federal Communications Commission. January 14, 2022. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
  20. Dano, News Analysis Mike; Director, Editorial; 5G; Strategies February 25, 2021, Mobile. "C-band auction maps and charts: Who won what, where and how much". Light Reading. Retrieved November 16, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  21. Dano, News Analysis Mike; Director, Editorial; 5G; Strategies March 6, 2019, Mobile. "Here Are the Big Winners in the FCC's 24GHz & 28GHz 5G Auctions". Light Reading. Retrieved November 16, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  22. "3G CDMA Network Shut off date set for December 31, 2022". www.verizon.com. March 30, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
  23. Dano, News Analysis Mike; Director, Editorial; 5G; Strategies July 27, 2020, Mobile. "U.S. Cellular firms up mmWave, CBRS deployment plans". Light Reading. Retrieved November 9, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  24. "FCC grants first batch of 2.5 GHz licenses – minus T-Mobile". Fierce Wireless. December 2, 2022. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
  25. "FCC Announces Winning Bidders In 3.45 GHz Auction". Federal Communications Commission. January 14, 2022. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  26. Dano, News Analysis Mike; Director, Editorial; 5G; Strategies February 25, 2021, Mobile. "C-band auction maps and charts: Who won what, where and how much". Light Reading. Retrieved July 12, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  27. Dano, News Analysis Mike; Director, Editorial; 5G; Strategies March 6, 2019, Mobile. "Here Are the Big Winners in the FCC's 24GHz & 28GHz 5G Auctions". Light Reading. Retrieved November 9, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  28. "UScellular launches mmWave-based FWA in 10 cities". Fierce Wireless. April 28, 2022. Retrieved April 29, 2022.
  29. wsfpadmin. "landing". Wisconsin State Fair. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  30. "Milwaukee Brewers, U.S. Cellular announce sponsorship". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  31. "Packers announce U.S. Cellular as Official Wireless Partner". www.packers.com. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  32. Paul Morley (October 19, 2003). "Boot me up, Dessie". The Observer. Guardian Media Group. Retrieved January 17, 2009.

External links

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